Bruins visit Franklin Elementary

Saturday

May 24, 2014 at 10:00 AM

Last week, first graders at the Franklin School in North Andover were treated to a street hockey clinic conducted by the Boston Bruins.The clinic was a prize for Franklin's second place finish in the Bruins' and Cradles to Crayons' Pajama Drive that ran throughout the month of February. The Franklin School donated 250 pairs of new pajamas to needy children, and raised over $800 for the cause.Along with learning the fundamentals of street hockey from Bruins alumni Bob Sweeney and team staff, the children enjoyed the hilarious antics of Blades, the Bruins mascot.The street hockey clinic took on additional meaning for the Franklin School when four recent graduates, Jack Pascucci, Michael Harty, Peter Radulski, and Robbie McKay, joined in as goalies. Now sixth graders at North Andover Middle School, the boys were special guests at the clinic.The boys had organized a street hockey tournament, also in February, to support MitoAction. MitoAction lends support and advocacy to families of individuals suffering from mitochondria, a cell disorder that saps energy and can be fatal. The boys' street hockey tournament was held in memory of Michael Harty's brother, Matthew, who passed away from mitochondrial disease last December at age eight."The Bruins' street hockey clinic was a joyful experience for all involved", said Peggy O'Grady, first grade teacher and organizer of the event. "The participation of the four sixth grade boys allowed us to show our first graders how students can continue the spirit of community service that we strive to foster at Franklin through projects such as the pajama drive."